Pages

July 15, 2017

King Crimson To Tour The US Fall 2017!

(photo by Spike Mafford)

America in the Fall of 2017! The new dates see the group performing in some states and cities that have not been visited in a while. Atlanta, Georgia, for example, last had live Crimson music in 2001, while Texas has experienced something of an epic Crimson drought since 1974, not counting ProjeKct Three's week-long residency in the Lone Star state during March 1999.

With three drummers up front including Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Jeremy Stacey, as well as the return of multi-instrumentalist Bill Reiflin on keyboards, guitarist, and original founding member, Robert Fripp, states that this “double quartet formation” is likely to make more noise than ever before. Rounding out the eight piece line up are guitarist and vocalist Jakko Jakszyk, long-time bassist Tony Levin, and saxophonist Mel Collins, who was a mainstay of Crim from 1970-1972.

As well as standard tickets, the band's label, DGM, also has announced sale of VIP Royal Packages, limited to just 60 per show. Details can be viewed at the label's interactive and recently redeveloped website, www.dgmlive.com.

Here's what the press have raved about King Crimson's summer 2017 North American tour:

“On our final evening at the festival, we were witness to the concert that inevitably proved to be its highlight...The blend of mood, melody, ambiance and atmosphere dazzled the audience, which responded with frequent standing ovations.” - Lee Zimmerman, Goldmine Magazine“Complex musical structures, the power, the intensity and the flight of guitars, flutes and especially drums, the progressive rock of King Crimson unfolded like never...With a dense and complex performance that perfectly coincided with the title of the tour entitled Radical Action, King Crimson took over all the years of his long career, offered new material and transported the music lovers to their rich universe and especially without compromise.” - YVES LECLERC, Journal de Quebec“Fripp and his band offered an impeccable performance in two stages. No melodies, no flapping, only musicians at the top of their art.” - IAN BUSSIÈRES La Presse, Quebec“The band finally reaps all that it has sown in its many transformations...the company of the good old days got its money's worth! In short, the king is not dead, far from it, and they still rejoice.” - Réjean Beaucage, Voir.caThere was an undeniable nostalgic thrill to these songs, but considering the unconventional setup and the band's longstanding aversion to living in the past, they weren't presented as museum pieces...this remained a celebration from a band that has found a way to honour the scope of its legacy without abandoning its avant-garde principles. Crimson has never sounded more complete, or more joyous, on stage than it does now.” - Jordan Zivitz, Montreal Gazette“The eclectic setlist covered the bands forty plus years, beginning with 1973's 'Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One' earmarked by one of several Mel Collins' exemplary solos, then jumped a decade later for the fluid 'Neurotica' with Fripp’s hyper-kinetic guitar riffs perched alongside a dizzying high tempo jazz beat. The uniqueness of seeing each of these seasoned musicians working is near indescribable and has to be experienced live, to fully embrace their vision - think of eight master painters working in their own style, but on a common canvas, and you begin to get the idea of things.” - We Heart Music, Minneapolis“As part of their 17-show 'Radical Action Tour 2017,' King Crimson made a stop at the Greek Theatre for what can only be succinctly described as nearly three hours of absolute musical bliss — subtle and pastoral on one hand, a cacophony of sonic thrusts on the other.” - Shawn Perry Vintage Rock“While their strong EP of new originals 'Heroes,' (in tribute to David Bowie) has devoted fans pleased and open-eared, it's the rarities from the back catalog that haven’t been played in decades or ever that make this tour's lineup exceptionally strong. Astounding as it was, King Crimson still has the propensity to tackle songs from all over their vast catalog, while incessantly adding new intersections and elements.” - Dylan Muhlberg, Grateful Web

In other news:

The band has recently released “The Elements Of King Crimson 2017 Tour Box.” As with previous releases in the “Elements” series, the full variety of King Crimson's music is presented over 2 CDs! Featuring extracts from rehearsals, new live recordings, elements from studio recordings, full tracks, alternate takes and finished recordings from 1969-2016, many of which make their first appearance on CD.

Every line-up is featured across the double CD set. Of particular interest on the new set is the inclusion on disc 2 of every part of “Larks' Tongues in Aspic” (some studio, some live) from “Part I” to “Level 5” – interspersed with elements taken from the original studio sessions and rehearsals.

Also, coinciding with the first leg of the tour, King Crimson released a CD EP titled “Heroes - Live In Europe, 2016.” Recorded in Berlin during the band's 2016 European tour., the EP was released on June 2nd 2017 and, along with “The Elements Of King Crimson 2017 Tour Box,” can be ordered via the shops at www.dgmlive.com as well as available through traditional retail outlets. The US based Schizoid Shop has recently added a range of new shirts and other band-related merchandise, and offers weekly specials including offers to win free tour tees. www.schizoidshop.com.